Symptoms
Symptoms of glioblastoma vary depending on the tumor's size, location, and rate of growth. Common symptoms include:
Persistent headaches (often worse in the morning)
Seizures
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness or numbness in the limbs (often on one side of the body)
Difficulty with speech or understanding language
Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision)
Changes in personality or behavior
Memory problems
Balance and coordination problems
Causes
The exact causes of glioblastoma are not fully understood. However, certain factors may increase the risk:
Age: Glioblastoma is more common in older adults.
Radiation Exposure: Prior exposure to ionizing radiation to the head.
Genetic Syndromes: Rare genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis type 1, tuberous sclerosis, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome can increase the risk.
Family history: There is a small increased risk in individuals with a family history of glioma. Most cases of glioblastoma occur sporadically, with no clear identifiable cause.
Medicine Used
Treatment for glioblastoma typically involves a combination of approaches, including:
Surgery: To remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging vital brain tissue.
Radiation Therapy: To kill remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Chemotherapy: The most common chemotherapy drug used is temozolomide (Temodar).
Tumor Treating Fields (TTF): A non-invasive therapy that uses electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division. (Optune device).
Targeted Therapy: Bevacizumab (Avastin) may be used in some cases to target blood vessel growth in the tumor.
Corticosteroids: such as dexamethasone, to reduce swelling in the brain. Other medications may be used to manage symptoms such as seizures, pain, and nausea.
Is Communicable
Glioblastoma is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person through contact, air, or bodily fluids.
Precautions
Since glioblastoma is not communicable, there are no precautions to prevent its spread. However, for individuals undergoing treatment, precautions may be necessary to manage side effects:
Infection Prevention: Chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infection. Wash hands frequently, avoid contact with sick people, and follow medical advice regarding vaccinations.
Seizure Precautions: If seizures are a symptom, take precautions to prevent injury during a seizure.
Mobility Aids: If balance or coordination is affected, use assistive devices such as walkers or canes to prevent falls.
How long does an outbreak last?
Glioblastoma is not an outbreak, it is a type of tumor. Thus the question is not applicable. Glioblastomas are aggressive tumors that can rapidly progress, and the "duration" refers to the patient's survival time after diagnosis. Unfortunately, the prognosis for glioblastoma is generally poor, with a median survival time of around 12-18 months after diagnosis, even with aggressive treatment. However, survival times can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, overall health, the extent of tumor removal, and response to treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of glioblastoma typically involves the following:
Neurological Examination: To assess neurological function and identify any deficits.
Imaging Studies:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The primary imaging technique used to visualize the brain and detect tumors.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan): May be used as an initial screening tool or to evaluate bone involvement.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the tumor and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the tumor's characteristics. This can be done through a surgical procedure or a needle biopsy.
Molecular Testing: Analysis of the tumor tissue to identify specific genetic mutations or molecular markers that can help guide treatment decisions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of glioblastoma symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may develop rapidly over a few weeks or months, while in others, they may be more gradual and subtle, progressing over several months.
Early Stages: Subtle headaches, mild weakness, or changes in personality.
Progression: Headaches become more frequent and severe, neurological deficits worsen (weakness, speech difficulties), seizures may occur.
Late Stages: Significant neurological impairment, cognitive decline, reduced mobility. Because GBM grows rapidly, the symptoms can change quickly as well.
Important Considerations
Prognosis: Glioblastoma has a poor prognosis, but treatment can help to extend survival and improve quality of life.
Treatment Team: Care is best managed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, neurologists, and palliative care specialists.
Clinical Trials: Consider participating in clinical trials to access new and experimental therapies.
Palliative Care: Focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life throughout the course of the disease.
Support: Seek emotional and psychological support from family, friends, support groups, or mental health professionals.
Second Opinions: It is reasonable to obtain a second opinion from another medical center specializing in neuro-oncology.